Throughout the year, people across the United States are fighting off sinus infections. During allergy season especially, it seems as if they are contagious. However, the actual risks associated with spreading sinus infections are a little more complex than the typical cold or other illness. Here’s what you need to know.

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

The answer is maybe. There are several different causes of sinus infections, but not all of them are infectious. For instance, sinus infections caused by allergies or narrow nasal passageways are caused by your personal biology and cannot be spread.On the other hand, viral sinus infections may be spread, but not directly. The sinus infection itself is not the communicable part, but rather the virus, and even after the virus spreads, it may not present as a sinus infection in all those affected. So it’s hard to say that a sinus infection is truly transmissible on its own.

Is a Bacterial Sinus Infection?

A bacterial sinus infection is caused when mucus builds up in the sinus cavities and bacteria begin to grow. Since bacterial sinus infections generally happen as a result of some other mucus buildup, and the bacteria is largely contained within the sinus cavities. They are not considered contagious.

If I Have a Sinus Infection am I Contagious?

It is difficult to know if you are contagious or not if you have a sinus infection. Since the symptoms are mostly the same across all types of sinus infections, and there are no simple tests for determining the cause of the infection.The best thing to do is visit a sinus specialist. They will be able to treat your symptoms and the underlying causes to prevent future infections. They may also be able to tell you how your infection was caused and if you are at risk of infecting others.

American Sinus Institute

The American Sinus Institute has locations in Houston and San Antonio to help you ward off sinus infections. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and we will go over your symptoms to determine the best possible treatment path for you.